According to the Japanese industry news source animeanime.biz, the project is being developed for high-definition stereoscopic 3D, with an eye towards the still nascent 3D television market. The production of each episode will cost US$600,000 (about 48 million yen), whereas a typical Japanese animated series costs in the range of 10 million yen (US$120,000). The project was pitched to overseas television companies at the MIPCOM trade show last October in Cannes, France.

Pac-Man already inspired a 1982-83 animated series from Hanna-Barbera on ABC in the United States. Arad has been developing the new television project since at least 2010. North American production company Merv Griffin Entertainment intends to create a separate "Wipeout-type" reality television show based on Pac-Man.

Manga UK confirmed on twitter that it still plans to distribute Tiger & Bunny, which Kaze announced as an acquisition at MCM Expo in May 2011. Manga said it would release the title in partnership with Kaze, but added that there was no confirmed release date: "Will wait to hear from Kaze UK." Earlier in the month, Kaze said that it was planning to release Tiger & Bunny in the third quarter of 2012, "ideally in time for MCM Expo October."

The anime centres around heroes for hire — super powered beings known as NEXT who wear sponsor logos while fighting crime on live television. Keiichi Satou (Karas director, The Big-O character/mechanical designer) directed the project, and Masafumi Nishida (live-action Kaibutsu-kun) wrote and oversaw the scripts. Manga artist Masakazu Katsura (Video Girl Ai, DNA², I''s, Zetman), a well-known fan of Batman and other superhero comics, created the original character designs.

JManga, a platform for reading legal manga online, announced on Tuesday that the website is now accessible worldwide. The site added that it is hosting a promotion between March 1-4. Those who sign up for a paid subscription to the site during that time period will receive twice as many points to use on the site.

JManga thanked fans on its Twitter account on Tuesday for their support in helping to make the site available worldwide. The company had posted a Twitter post two weeks ago to gauge interest in the possibility of the site going global.

JManga launched on August 17 with numerous titles never before available in the United States, some of which have become available for purchase. The site since offered more than 40 additional series by the end of 2011, and has added more than 35 new series so far this year.

The MCM Birmingham Comic Con has announced that the voice-actors Vic Mignogna (pictured right) and Aaron Dismuke, who dubbed the brothers Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric in the first anime series of Fullmetal Alchemist, will appear at the event. MCM Birmingham Comic Con runs from March 31 to April 1.

Mignogna is a veteran of dozens of anime dubs, including such recent titles as Vampire Knight, in which he voices Zero Kiryu and his brother Ichiru, and Soul Eater, where he plays the Death Scythe, otherwise known as Spirit Albarn.

Dismuke was only twelve years old when he began voicing Al alongside Mignogna's Edward in Fullmetal Alchemist. He later reprised the role in Fullmetal Alchemist: The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa.

In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Mignogna continued to voice Edward, but Al was recast, with Maxey Whitehead taking over the role from Dismuke.

However, Dismuke made a brief appearance in Brotherhood as the young version of the brothers' father, Van Hohenhiem in flashback scenes. His other roles include Oui Kagami in Shikabane Hime: Aka and Shikabane Hime: Kuro, and Ion Fortuna in Trinity Blood.

MCM Birmingham Comic Con will run in Hall 10 of the NEC (directions). Ticket details are avilable here.

A poster on Gallifrey Base has claimed a fellow actor he was recently working with had an audition page for either Episode Three or Four of Doctor Whio series 7, and the title of the episode is THE GUNSLINGER!

And remember this quote from an author "My episode is in a genre I’ve never written before — frankly, no one has written in that genre for quite a while now." - So could it be a western?

Of course titles are subject to change and of course we might well be adding two and two together and getting three. There’s also the fact that the title is very similar to the First Doctor serial The Gunfighters, so there’s a good chance that the title is a place holder title.

But with the revelation that the series will be shooting on location in Spain, a western themed episode seems like a reasonable idea, given that a number of Spaghetti Western’s including Serigio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy were shot there!

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Fuji Television announced on Monday that it will join with director Ridley Scott's production company Scott Free to create a documentary based on footage submitted by individuals. The project, entitled Japan In A Day, seeks to chronicle 24 hours in Japan on March 11, 2012, the one-year anniversary of the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami.

Fuji Television is asking for contributions from anyone in Japan and around the world to record a video about their daily life on March 11, and submit it to a special YouTube "Japan in a Day" website. The network will also donate 200 video cameras to the region affected by the disaster. The final documentary will be comprised of footage from the donated cameras, as well as submitted video and footage from Fuji TV's camera crews.

The final film is planned for theatrical release, and the producers plan to donate the proceeds to charity.

Nintendo of America revealed on Monday that it will release Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 for the Nintendo DS this fall. Nintendo of Europe confirmed on Monday that it will release the games in the same timeframe.

Junichi Masuda, the director of the Pokémon games franchis at the Japanese developer GAME FREAK, announced on Saturday that the two Pokémon titles would debut in Japan this June.

As Nintendo DS games, these new titles can also be played on the Nintendo 3DS system in 2D. According to Masuda, "Black Kyurem" and "White Kyurem" are the names of the two new legendary Pokémon in the new titles. More information will be available on the official sites

The wireless Nintendo Zone service made its European debut at the Hyper Japan festival at London's Earl Court from February 24 to 26, at which Nintendo was represented. Attendees of Hyper Japan with a handheld 3DS console found a Nintendo Zone icon on the system, which led to an event schedule, five downloadable demos (including Nintendogs and Cats) and an episode of the anime series One Piece.

Nintendo Zone was introduced in Japan and America in December. In those territories, it opens up exclusive content when the 3DS is brought to particular locations which have "zones" - for example, branches of Starbucks and McDonalds.

In an interview with SFX, executive producer Caroline Skinner confirmed that the first recording block contains two individual stories (being directed by Saul Metzstein). On whether all the scripts were written, she said: "No, if only. But we’ve got a lot of them and the ones that are written are really, really epic and very exciting. (The opening episode) is indeed written by Steven and it’s going to blow everybody’s mind."

Speaking on the Richard Bacon Show, BBC1 Controller Danny Cohen talked about series developments: "The Doctor Who team are writing away. There are more episodes next year. We've got some big events coming up in the near future. So, stay tuned! I always try and keep things close to my chest with Doctor Who because there's such interest in it, and I think it's right that Steven Moffat and the team are the people that bring the news on Doctor Who to the audience rather than me."

Toby Whithouse talked to BBC America about writing for the new series: "My episode is in a genre I’ve never written before — frankly, no one has written in that genre for quite a while now. But I absolutely love it. Steven gives me a one-line pitch, and then I’ll go away and put together a story and so on. And he gave me a great one-line pitch for this, so I’m really excited about it. Doctor Who is always a joy to write. It never gets boring, it never gets dull, it never gets routine. It’s an incredibly difficult show to write because it’s remarkably complex, but it also has to have such momentum and pace. And within that there has to be room for character and humour and so on. It’s always a huge challenge but always extraordinary fun. That’s why I keep going back."

On Location

As well as production commencing on the new series last Monday, later in the week saw filming taking place at Southerndown Beach; the distinctive Dunraven Bay location has featured in a number of BBC Wales programmes, including Merlin and Being Human, and has been used previously in Doctor Who to represent an alien planet (Army of Ghosts), Bad Wolf Bay (Doomsday/Journey's End) and Alfava Metraxis (The Time of Angels/Flesh and Stone). Matt Smith, Arthur Darvill and Mark Williams were pictured during filming, which was covered by a number of media sources including The Sun, Radio Times, and the Western Mail.

Casting

According to Spotlight, Rudi Dharmalingham will feature in this block, playing the role of ISA Worker. The actor has had a number of small guest roles in recent series, including The Bill, Casualty and New Tricks. He has also undertaken a number of stage roles, including the international tour of History Boys.

The Rumour Zone

In her discussion with SFX about Worlds in Time, Caroline Skinner was also asked about a the possibility of a foe returning to the series itself:

Spoiler:

SFX: The Zygons are in it! Is this a hint they’re going to be returning to the show anytime soon?
Caroline Skinner: [Laughs] “Wait and see.”

The Express has suggested that Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch might have a role to play in Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary. The traditional 'insider' said:

Spoiler:

It's fitting that the Doctor comes face to face with his ultimate enemy, The Master, for the 50th anniversary and it's felt Benedict is the perfect choice if schedules can work. Fans will love the idea of the man who plays Sherlock Holmes taking on the Doctor.

Benedict has often been asked about whether he would like to play the Doctor so it will be ironic if he now ends up being The Master instead.

Monday, 27 February 2012

This year's 13th issue of Shogakukan's Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine is announcing on Wednesday that a new live-action television special adaptation of Gosho Aoyama's Detective Conan manga has been green-lit for this spring. The new special will retain the same cast as in last year's live-action special and subsequent series, including Junpei Mizobata (Hana-Kimi, 81diver, Shibatora, High School Debut) in the title role and Shiori Kutsuna (Mei-chan no Shitsuji, Beck, Gota Keshi: Jidan Kōshōnin Shirai Torajirō) as the heroine Ran. Tori Matsuzaka, Rei Okamoto, and Takanori Jinnai will also return as Conan's detective rival Heiji Hattori, Heiji's partner Kazuha Tōyama, and Ran's father Kogorō Mōri, respectively.

The new special is tentatively titled Meitantei Conan Drama Special: Kudō Shinichi Kyoto Shinsengumi Satsujin Jiken (Detective Conan Drama Special: Shinichi Kudō and the Case of the Kyoto Shinsengumi Murder). The original manga follows a brilliant detective trapped in a child's body, but the live-action spinoffs have been set before the manga, when the title character Shinichi "Conan Edogawa" Kudō was still a teenager. In the new special, Shinichi and Heiji compete to solve a murder at a Kyoto film studio.

Before Mizobata played Conan, there were already two previous specials with actor Shun Oguri (Hana Yori Dango, Hana-Kimi) in 2006 and 2007. To celebrate the 800th chapter of the original manga, Weekly Shonen Sunday is running a character popularity poll.

Viz Media will publish the 42nd manga volume under the title Case Closed in North America in April. Funimation released DVDs for the television anime adaptation and some of the anime films

Junichi Masuda, the director of the Pokémon franchise at the Japanese developer GAME FREAK, confirmed on Sunday that the latest Pokémon titles will debut in Japan this June. Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 will be available for the Nintendo DS system. The same games will ship in English "soon," according to the American Pokémon site.

As Nintendo DS games, these new titles can also be played on the Nintendo 3DS system in 2D. According to Masuda, "Black Kyurem" and "White Kyurem" are the names of the two new legendary Pokémon in the new titles. More information will be available on the official sites

The Mainichi Shimbun paper's Mantan Web site reported on Tuesday that "Sakura no Ame," a song popularized by the virtual idol singer Hatsune Miku, is being adapted into a novel. The song about graduating students, created by musician Haruyoshi Mori of the three-man acoustic group absorb, gained popularity online when he uploaded a version of the song performed by Hatsune Miku to the Nico Nico Douga video service. Since then, it has become a popular song at Japanese graduation ceremonies and was made into a live-action film.

The novel depicts Hatsune Miku as a high school student in the school's choral club who interacts with other popular Vocaloid characters such as new club members Kagamine Rin, Kagamine Len, and Megu. Miku and the other characters are shown as they spend time together while graduation approaches.

The novel will be written by Ryō Fujita, and Mori, also known as halyosy, is credited as the novel's original creator and for its original concept. Illustrations for the novel will be drawn by illustrators Yu, Yoshida Dondorian, Karu, and Batako. It will reportedly be released on March 23, but is already for sale in Japan.

Manga UK has tweeted that it will celebrate its third anniversary on twitter by "acquiring the rights to Fractale for the U.K."

Fractale's story is set on an island at the far reaches of a continent where the "Fractale System" is on the brink of collapse. A boy named Clain embarks on a journey to search for Phyrne — a girl who disappeared, leaving behind only a pendant. Clain will eventually learn the secrets of the "System."

Kannagi and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya's Yutaka Yamamoto (a.k.a. "Yamakan") directed the 11-part television series, with original character designs by illustrator Hidari (Uso-tsuki Mii-kun to Kowareta Maa-chan light novel). It was shown as part of the Noitamina television block on Japan's Fuji TV.

Quick Review:
Sleek, fun, exciting and well-thought-out. Like most first episodes of Sentai, it answers almost nothing, but we will see in the subtitles. we don't see how the team was formed is what I mean. The episode reminded me a lot of Go-Onger and some of Boukenger's spy aspects and the team dynamic seems to be a bit like Gekiranger. The dancing in the end credits also reminds me of Gekiranger. Red seems to be a cool guy, not an annoying kid. It has a serious tone that I like and the comic relief seems to only be the Buddyroids for now which is all right with me.

Diamond Comic Distributors have announced a distribution deal with Penguin Books UK to enable them to publish the successful Doctor Who Children's Books in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Penguin Books UK have published a large number of books and novels in its Doctor Who young adult and children's line, including titles like Monstrous Missions, Step Back in Time and Alien Adventures, the Doctor Who Activity Book, and Where's The Doctor?. The new deal brings the range to American comic book specialty stores, bookstores, mass-market merchandisers, libraries and other outlets.

Bill Schanes, VP-Purchasing for Diamond Comic Distributors, said:

Doctor Who has been one of the growing brand licenses for Diamond and we’re happy to be selling the Penguin Books UK line in North America. These books haven’t been directly available from any U.S. source except for those that might have imported a small quantity.

A tribunal has ordered Cardiff Council to hand over all its records to do with Doctor Who.

A request under the Freedom of Information Act was made last year by journalist Christopher Hastings to see all documents between the BBC and the council relating to the series. He also wanted to see complaints about the programme that had been sent to the council, as well as all the relevant civic correspondence with utility firms and other public bodies.

The council had refused to comply, saying that it would take longer than the 18 hours that legislation allows. That stance was rejected by the Information Commissioner so the council appealed to the Information Rights Tribunal. However, the tribunal ruled that Cardiff "failed to prove, on the balance of probabilities, that responding to Mr Hastings' enquiry would have involved in excess of 18 hours' work."

Ordering the council to release the information, it also reproached it for what it called poor evidence, with two officers at the civic authority - Phil Bradshaw and Dave Parsons - contradicting each other, and one of them (Bradshaw) contradicting himself.

A council spokesman said:
"The council is disappointed with the tribunal decision but while accepting the judgement we are still concerned that it will take significantly longer to process than the 18 hours of employee time which allows requests to be refused under the Freedom of Information Act.

"We estimated the cost of processing the original request for information would have been prohibitive.

"In hindsight we accept we did not provide sufficient evidence to the tribunal in regard of the costs of processing the request for information. However, we note that the tribunal recognised the efforts made to clarify the request which were rejected by the requester of the information

Saturday, 25 February 2012

The 36th Super Sentai series, Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters will began airing this Sunday. But before we see it's first episode, there are already summaries for the show's 2nd and 3rd episodes!

In the Second Mission (Go-Busters episode titles are entitled "Missions"), Hiromu tries to resupply Enetron's fuel stand while Yoko tries to confirm its flow. Unbeknownst to them, coming from behind is Vagras's spy Enter...

Meanwhile, on the Third Mission, Enetron has a strange reaction which prompts the Go-Busters immediately to the scene at the hospital. As they arrive, no people were seen inside.

The website UK Anime Network reports that it was told by MVM that the anime label has acquired two further licences, following MVM's announcement this week that it had acquired Broken Blade.

The Mayo Chiki! anime (pictured right) adapts Hajime Asano's school romantic comedy light novels of the same name. In the story, Subaru Konoe is a beautiful boy who serves as a butler to a classmate named Kanade Suzutsuki. However, another boy accidentally discovers Subaru's secret — Subaru is really a girl. Keiichiro Kawaguchi (Hayate the Combat Butler, Mayo elle Otokonoko) directed the project at the anime studio Feel with series script supervisor Reiko Yoshida (K-ON!, Chu-Bra!!) and character designer Kōsuke Kawamura. The series premiered in Japan in July 2011.

The .hack//Quantum anime is a three-part OAV set in The World R:X setting of the .hack//Link game for the Sony PSP. In the story, the player characters Tobias, Mary, and Sakuya form a party in The World R:X for adventure but encounter a mysterious entity named Hermit. The encounter draws them into the all-consuming darkness taking over The World R:X. Masaki Tachibana (Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, Eiyū Densetsu: Sora no Kiseki The Animation) directed the anime at Kinema Citrus, and Tatsuya Hamazaki (.hack//Legend Of The Twilight, .hack//G.U.+, .hack//Roots) wrote the scripts. Funimation streamed an English-dubbed trailer for the series to promote its release in America,

The 2004 Studio Ghibli fantasy Howl's Moving Castle (pictured), directed by Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke) from the British novel by Diana Wynne Jones, will be shown on BBC2 on Saturday June 25 at 12 noon. The Radio Times magazine specifies that the dub version will be shown, with a cast including Christian Bale and Billy Crystal.

The story involves a young woman, Sophie, in a European-style city at war, who is transformed into an elderly woman by a witch. She boards a magical moving castle and encounters its flamboyant owner, the legendary wizard Howl.

The film is already available on DVD, and will debut on U.K. Blu-ray on June 25 from StudioCanal.

As time goes on, filming continues and Doctor Who titles begin to be leaked again we will indeed be covering these events, and to help us keep track of them, every time a bit of new information is revealed I will update this list so you know what is what and who is who. ;)

Things we know, but as of this moment don't fit in:
Chris Chibnall is writing an episode for Series 7, it is currently unknown which episode.
Mark Gatiss is writing an episode for Series 7, it is currently unknown which episode.
Amy Pond & Rory Williams will leave sometime during series 7, it currently unknown which episode.
Farren Blackburn is to direct one (or more) episode(s) of series 7.
The Doctor will meet a new friend in the most unexpected place.
River Song (played by Alex Kingston) will return during series 7.
Steven Moffat has said that the first episode will be a bit like the movie Die Hard and teased the title as [Spoiler] of the [Spoilers].
Mark Gatiss recently revealed his episode contains the words ‘meat’, ‘klaxon’ and ‘Vienna’.
All of episodes from this series will only be 1 part, it will have no 2 part episodes.
An episode of Doctor Who is to be filmed in Spain (it is rumored to be one of the first 3 episodes).
Rob Cavazos is listed to be playing a character called Walter in the episode to be filmed in Spain.
The First day of filming was completed on 20th February 2012 - Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill and Mark Williams was on set inside the Ponds house.
Mark Williams was spotted for filming wearing a blue bodywarmer.
The Director of Photography for the first episode filmed is Stephan Pehrsson.
(Almost certainly) the first episode filmed is Episode 2, staring Mark Williams.

Things that are rumoured to be true:
The Doctor's next companion will not be from Earth.
The Yeti's are returning for Series 7 (as well as another unconfirmed/undocumented classic monster).
Amy Pond will die and Rory will live.
The Ice Warriors will return in the episode that Mark Gatiss has written.
Steven Moffat and James Corden both want Craig Owens to return, but we don’t know if he is returning because Moffat stated he might not be able to fit him in.
Sophia Myles is rumoured to star in Series 7 (all evidence of her tweets point to this) as well as it is now being rumoured she is to play the new companion.

One of Doctor Who's most prolific actors, Peter Halliday, has died at the age of 87.

Peter Halliday had a long and productive career, working in theatre, film and Television. He had credited roles in 23 Doctor Who episodes, working alongside the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 7th Doctors.

Halliday was born near Llangollen in Wales, but spent much of his life in Welshpool, Powys. After serving in World War II he won admission to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.Three years later he joined the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, now known as the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Television roles followed including parts in Z Cars, Armchair Theatre and The Citidal, but it was as Dr John Fleming in A for Andromeda that Halliday really made his name. Made in 1961, the science fiction series featured Halliday as a young scientist alongside Julie Christie. A follow up series, The Andromeda Breakthrough followed in 1962.

Halliday made his first appearance in Doctor Who in 1968 playing Packer in the Cyberman story The Invasion. Packer was the security chief of International Electromatics who assisted Tobias Vaughn. Halliday returned to Doctor Who in 1970, providing voices for both The Silurians and the aliens in Ambassadors of Death.

It was as Pletrac in the 1973 story Carnival Of Monsters, that Halliday is probably best remembered. His portrayal of the leader of the tribunal charged with safeguarding Inter Minor's border control is widely appreciated and Halliday appeared on the recent Special Edition DVD release of the story talking about the role.

In 1979 he joined Tom Baker in the classic story City of Death playing a Soldier and providing the Jagaroth Voice. His final appearance in Doctor Who came in 1988's Remembrance of the Daleks, where he played a Vicar.

Outside of Doctor Who, Halliday had roles in The Saint, The Avengers, Goodnight Sweetheart and Dalziel and Pascoe on TV as well as appearing in the Oscar-nominated movie Remains of the Day.

Peter Halliday died earlier this week. His funeral will be held in London on Tuesday and a memorial service is planned in Welshpool at a later date.

Details and images have now been released for the new CBeebies series Tree Fu Tom, starring the voices of Sophie Aldred as Tom and David Tennant as Twigs. [News in Time and Space, 23 Feb 2012]

Tennant has also been announced as one of the performers in a new series of comedies and dramas from Sky Arts called Playhouse Presents, with the actor appearing in The Minor Character by Will Self. [Sky Arts, Guardian, 23 Feb 2012]

After 'conquering' the BBC, John Barrowman may be making his presence felt on ITV next - having guest-hosted This Morning a couple of times, it has been suggested that this may become more regular, with an insider saying: "ITV think John is a real talent who shouldn't only be seen on the BBC. They want to work with him on a series of upcoming projects." [Daily Mail, 23 Feb 2012]

Channel 5 won't be immune to him, either, with C5 Productions planning to make a show with the actor exploring the origins of the popular 1980s show Dallas! [C21 Media, 23 Feb 2012]

Bernard Cribbins is one of several stars performing in Winchester: Chronicles of Light, a show recalling the history of Winchester Cathedral. The actor said: "We've had a long day recording and it went well, and to be in this lovely building with such a great atmosphere has been an absolute joy.". Other celebrities involved include Wendy Craig, Hugh Dennis, John Rhys-Davies and Tamsin Greig. [Romsey Advertiser, 22 Feb 2012]

David Walliams is to see his best-selling children's book Mr Stink turned into a television series for BBC1, with controller Danny Cohen describing it as a "heart-warming, nose-clenching and funny tale which will appeal to viewers of all ages.". [BBC News, 21 Feb 2012]

Gareth David Lloyd is to appear in a new eerie anthology series, Twisted Showcase, which will be launched on the web on 1st March. [News in Time and Space, 23 Feb 2012]

Doctor Who was singled out when culture minister Ed Vaizey praised the Welsh broadcasting industry's cultural and economic importance. During a visit to Cardiff, which included a tour round the programme's new home at the BBC Wales Roath Lock drama village, he said: "Global hits like Doctor Who act as a continual reminder of the role the creative industries can play in driving growth through the creation of jobs and attracting inward investment."[BBC News, 23 Feb 2012]

Lastly, don't miss Matt Smith's attempt to beat the lap record as the "star in the reasonably priced car" on this Sunday's Top Gear, broadcast at 8:00pm on BBC2/BBCHD.

Friday, 24 February 2012

On Thursday, police in Gunma Prefecture arrested a 44-year-old male company employee from Sapporo City on suspicion of uploading the live-action television programs to video sites without the permission of their copyright holders. According to the police, the suspect said under deposition that he uploaded about 1,700 videos since the fall of 2010.

According to authorities, he is suspected of uploading Kamen Rider Fourze and two other works from December 2010 to November 2011. The police investigators discovered the allegedly uploaded videos while on cyber patrol.

According to the Association of Copyright for Computer Software (ACCS), the suspect allegedly uploaded the 10th Kamen Rider Fourze episode to the streaming servers of Pandora.TV, a site installed and administered in Seoul, South Korea. He also allegedly used the Japanese website F2 Dōga.

Watarirouka Hashiritai 7, a sub-group of the all-female idol group AKB48, will be animated for guest appearances in the Crayon Shin-chan television series on March 9 and 16. Mayu Watanabe, Aika Ōta, Haruka Nakagawa, Ayaka Kikuchi, Mika Komori, and Misaki Iwasa will appear as their animated selves in the two-episode story arc titled "Uchū Kazoku Nohara Da zo" (We're the Nohara Space Family). This will be the first time that members of AKB48 will appear in anime as themselves.

Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 goes by the nickname "Warota," and in the upcoming Crayon Shin-chan episodes, the group members will be extraterrestrials born on the planet Warota. They meet the family of the anime's title kindergartener Shinnosuke "Shin-chan" Nohara when the family goes searching for Shin-chan's grandfather Ginnosuke. Shin-chan's grandfather went missing looking for pickling stones on Warota.

Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 is also contributing the theme song for Crayon Shin-chan: Arashi o Yobu! Ora to Uchū no Princess, the 20th Crayon Shin-chan film which will open on April 14. The sub-group's ninth single, "Kibō Sanmyaku" (Hope Mountains), has been the opening theme song of the Crayon Shin-chan television series since November.

Watanabe, a self-professed anime fan who goes by the nickname "Mayuyu," said that she was excited to be voice-acting for an anime for nearly the first time, especially for an anime she has always watched since she was little. She is also starring in the AKB0048 television anime this April.

Crypton Future Media's content-sharing website Piapro announced on Thursday that it is holding a costume design and poster illustration contest for its virtual Vocaloid idol character Hatsune Miku — in the image of Coca-Cola sodas.
The contest is a collaboration between Sega Amusement Facilities and Coca-Cola. The winning illustration will be used on posters and other elements of the campaign promoting the Coca-Cola vending machines in Sega game centers in the end of May.

The winner will receive a special DIVA arcade game IC card, a PlayStation Vita 3G/Wi-Fi model (crystal black) with game software, and a gift coupon good for a year's supply of Coca-Cola. Four people will also receive just the gift coupons as consolation prizes.

The deadline for submissions is March 12 at 5:00 p.m. Japan Time.

Sega revealed a new game in its Project DIVA rhythm game franchise by streaming a surprise video on Christmas Eve. The game is slated for this year. Piapro held a different contest for "Hatsune Miku U.S. Version" last year and another for Project DIVA earlier this year.

Manga UK, which distributes the Bleach anime on U.K. DVD, has commented on its twitter feed about the announcement that Warner Brothers is developing a live-action feature film version of the franchise.

If you think about [it], Warner Brothers is the only studio to make a successful live-action anime movie with The Matrix. Like a lot of anime though, they couldn't carry off a satisfying conclusion. Matrix Reloaded [and] Matrix Revolutions both had good points, but were a bit weak.
[Anime/manga adaptations] always need a pedigree and in-built fan base to minimise the risk. Hence Akira, Bleach, Death Note and Ghost in the Shell live-action movies all at varying stages of development. The problem is, some massive turkeys loom large over any future anime adaptation for the big screen including Dragonball: Evolution and Speed Racer. I personally love [the live-action] Speed Racer, but how many 7 year-olds can sit through a 2 1/2 hour long psych trip like that? Know who your audience is before you make the movie. Very important rule..."

Manga also mentioned the live-action TV remake of Noir being developed by Starz.

I think that will actually be very good and I know that Starz's interest in the property is entirely based on the story and characters and not how many manga or anime DVDs it has sold.
Returning to the subject of Bleach, Manga added:

Warners don't care about existing fans. You guys are only the tip of the iceberg. Truth is, Bleach is a cool concept that will hook a massive new global audience if executed properly. Not that they have contempt for you guys. It's just not how these guys operate. Accountants like to know that the $100 million movie they're about to finance has already sold over 75 million books globally, more than 2 million DVDs, over $50 million worth of merchandise, etc. [It] makes them feel more secure in parting with their cash to make it. Ultimately though, the producers want to make a good movie...
I love anime because of the great characters, stories and design. I don't really care about where it comes from, just like I don't care where Marvel or DC come from. For me, it's about the finished product. But for a lot of otaku, it's the exotic nature of anime and manga that keeps them hooked. That does not make it mainstream. Western "Otaku" are modern day Orientalists. I mean that as a compliment by the way... At the end of the day, no-one can take away the manga and anime you love from you. It'll always [be] there for you to enjoy and cherish. Don't forget that, guys. Business is business."

It's said that truth is stranger than fiction, and in a case of life imitating art (in more ways than one), two iconic paintings with very close connections to Doctor Who have been hitting the headlines.

Firstly, one of Edvard Munch's four versions of The Scream - which was a major influence on the design of Series 6 monster The Silence - is to be exhibited in the UK before being auctioned in the USA by Sotheby's.

It will be on display in London from 13th April and in New York from 27th April, with the auction taking place on 2nd May, when it is estimated it could fetch more than £50m ($80m).

This version - dated 1895 and the only one to still be in private hands - is a pastel and is in the original frame that was hand-painted by the Norwegian artist. It also includes a poem by Munch explaining what inspired his masterpiece.

The Scream is reckoned to be the second-most recognisable image in art and popular culture after the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci - and by a funny coincidence another version of that particular masterpiece has also been causing a huge stir in the art world.

The globally famous portrait - also titled La Gioconda - was a major plot point of the Season 17 story City of Death. Now a copy of the picture - reckoned to have been painted by one of Leonardo's apprentices at the time of the original - has been restored and displayed at the Prado Museum in Madrid, where it will stay until 13th March, after which it will be moved and hung next to Leonardo's original at the Louvre in Paris for an exhibition.
As reported previously, photographic portraits of David Tennant and Karen Gillan can still be seen in the Hot Scots exhibition at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh. This display runs until 1st April.

Tennant is also among the actors featured in backstage theatre photographer Simon Annand's exhibition The Half at the Idea Generation Gallery in Chance Street, London. The display takes its name from the half-hour before curtain-up, when actors are left by themselves to focus on the performance ahead of them. Also pictured are Michael Gambon and Felicity Kendal. The exhibition opens tomorrow and runs until 8th April, with the opening times 10am to 6pm Mondays to Fridays and midday to 5pm Sundays

Thursday, 23 February 2012

The Variety entertainment trade news source is reporting on Wednesday that American film studio Warner Brothers licensed the live-action feature rights to Tite Kubo's supernatural action manga and anime Bleach. Warner is now developing the project and has assigned Dan Mazeau (Wrath of the Titans remake) to write a script. Peter Segal (Get Smart remake, The Longest Yard remake, Anger Management) is attached as a producer with a possibility of being the director as well.

The other producers include Segal's Callahan Filmworks partner Michael Ewing, actor Masi Oka (Heroes, Get Smart), and Jason Hoffs (The Terminal) at Viz Productions (a subsidiary of Bleach's North American publisher Viz Media). Branon Coluccio will be an executive producer.

The manga follows a 15-year-old boy named Ichigo Kurosaki who becomes a Soul Reaper — a "Shinigami" or "God of Death" who protects humans from the "Hollow" spirits that prey on them. The manga has sold over 75 million copies in Japan.

Shueisha publishes the manga in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan, and Studio Pierrot has been adapting the manga on television and in movie theaters since 2004. The Adult Swim programming block of America's Cartoon Network and Canada's YTV channel ran the anime on television.

Segal told Variety, "I've always been a huge fan of Bleach and have great respect for its creator Kubo-sensei and the truly original and amazing world he has created in this manga."

Oka, who acted in Heroes and Segal's Get Smart film, is a well-known manga fan. He drew inspiration from Dragon Ball for his Heroes character Hiro Nakamura, and he describes himself as a Naoki Urasawa and Shonen Jump "geek." He brought the project to Callahan Filmworks.

The Hollywood Reporter newspaper's Heat Vision blog reported in 2010 that Warner Brothers was "in the process of securing the movie rights to" Bleach. Heat Vision had reported then that Segal was lining himself up to produce, but not direct.

Warner Brothers has already acquired the rights to adapt Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata's Death Note supernatural suspense manga, which — like Bleach — is published by Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan and by Viz Media in North America. Along with Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way production company, Warner Brothers is also developing adaptations of Yoshiaki Kawajiri and Mad House's Ninja Scroll action anime film and Katsuhiro Otomo and Kodansha's Akira science-fiction manga. Viz set up an office in Hollywood in 2008 to promote Viz's properties to Hollywood interests.

During a segment of his Lou Dobbs Tonight program on Monday, Fox Business Network host Lou Dobbs decried both The Secret World of Arrietty film and the upcoming film adaptation of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax.

Dobbs started the segment by saying that with both films, "Hollywood is once again trying to indoctrinate our children." Dobbs added, "two new films out this year, plainly with an agenda, plainly demonizing the so-called 1 percent and espousing the virtue of green-energy policies, come what may." Dobbs then described the plot of both films and showed a clip from each.

After discussing the "Occupy Wall Street" movement and showing clips of speeches from U.S. President Barack Obama, Dobbs said, "The president's liberal friends in Hollywood [are] targeting a younger demographic using animated movies to sell their agenda to children." Dobbs' segment ends with a roundtable discussion of the films with three radio talk show hosts. The entire segment can be viewed below.

MVM announced on its facebook page that it has licensed the six-part anime film series Broken Blade (Break Blade).

The films, which average a little over 50 minutes each, are based on Yunosuke Yoshinaga's alternate-world robot manga. Sentai Filmworks, which licensed Broken Blade in America, described the story:

In Cruzon, children are born with the ability to control quartz. This power allows them to levitate simple objects—or control enormous and complex mobile battle suits called Golems. But when an ancient Golem is discovered during the height of a brutal war, a young king and his beautiful queen turn to Rygart Arrow. Though an “un-sorcerer”, Rygart can miraculously pilot this ancient and powerful weapon. But in war, school friends can turn into bitter enemies and allies have suspicious motives.

Production I.G and Xebec handled the animation. The chief director is Tetsuro Amino (Macross 7, Shiki) and the director is Nobuyoshi Habara (Negima!, Fafner), with Production I.G and Xebec handling the animation. Masashi Sogo (Bleach, Fairy Tail, Gantz) wrote the screenplay.

Flex Comix publishes the manga in Japan, while CMX Manga published three manga volumes in North America before DC Comics shut down the imprint last year.

In recognition of his contribution to drama business for BBC Wales, Doctor Who's former lead writer Russell T Davies has had the main walkway connecting all of the new Media Village facilities in Cardiff Bay named after him, with a plaque put up denoting Russell T Davies Alley. [Standard, 16 Feb 2012]

Talking about 'walkways', film cameraman Peter Eveson has filmed and directed the debut video for the north Suffolk band Walkway. As well as Doctor Who, the cameraman also filmed and directed Zoo Days, and worked on James May's Toy Stories. [Diss Express, 19 Feb 2012]

David Tennant will be the narrator for the audio version of Silver: Return to Treasure Island, a sequel book to Robert Louis Stevenson's original novel written by Sir Andrew Motion; the author said: "I'm completely delighted David Tennant's reading Silver. I honestly can't think of anyone I'd rather hear do it.". Dominic White of audiobook publisher W F Howes Ltd added: "David Tennant really conveys the thrills of an ocean odyssey. This is the making of a modern classic in spoken word form." [Booktrade, 22 Feb 2012]

The pairing of Tennant and Catherine Tate in last year's West End production of Much Ado About Nothing was named theatre event of the year in the Whatsonstage.com awards, voted for by the public. It also scooped the best Shakespearean production award at the event, co-hosted by Sheridan Smith (Eighth Doctor companion Lucie Miller in the Big Finish audio plays). Tate also won the award for best supporting actress in a play for Season's Greetings, and James Corden was named best actor in a play for One Man, Two Guvnors. [BBC News, 20 Feb 2012]

And speaking of Sheridan Smith, she has won the title role in Mrs Biggs, an ITV Studios drama that will chronicle the life of the former wife of Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs from when she first met him. The five-parter will also feature Daniel Mays (Alex in Night Terrors) as the notorious criminal. [ITV Press Centre, 20 Feb 2012]

Actress Katy Wix (who played Ianto's sister Rhiannon in Torchwood: Children of Earth) can be seen in the new series of Not Going Out. Talking about her blossoming career as a comedienne, she said: "At times I've felt people in the industry didn't trust me with the joke, me being a woman and all – but they're just people I don't want to work with." [Observer, 19 Feb 2012]

Tom Price will be appearing in a new comedy show for BBC3, World Series of Dating, playing the character of James Chetwynd-Talbot, described as a nervous sports journalist, unlucky with the ladies and in his first commentary role. The 8-part series, which stars American actor/comedian Rob Riggle, commences on the channel in March. [BBC Media Centre, 22 Feb 2012]

Actor Zach Braff learnt about how famous his All New People co-star Eve Myles was by meeting her fans at the stage door! "I didn't (know) until I got here. Eve does not play a very - how do I put this? - her character is not like a sex pot, hottie, and I'm seeing these pictures from Torchwood of her firing guns and these tight outfits, and I'm like 'Eve?!!' But it's become quite popular in the States, too, I have a friend who I didn't know even watched it, he was like 'you're acting with Eve Myles!' - he was freaking out. She's a wonderful, wonderful actress, and doing comedy for the first time, which people haven't seen - wait until they see how good she is at comedy. [STV, 21 Feb 2012]

Mark Ayres was recently asked about how the incidental music was handled in the classic series. When asked if music was always mixed in on the board while filming, he said: Almost always prior to 1970, yes (the show was made, as far as possible, 'as live'). After 1970, music added in post-dub.«" On whether composers saw the visuals on post-dub: "Yes, composers saw playback at BBC and made notes. From 1980-onwards (perhaps slightly earlier) they were given a time-coded VHS.« From mid-70s, Doctor Who office and Radiophonic Workshop were using Shibaden black-and-white reel-to-reel video dubs for reference.«"

The composer also added: "It's taken 15 years, but I have finally digitised all of the classic Doctor Who sound effects.«" However, "There remains a massive amount of cataloguing and documentation to complete, but the 246 tapes are done.«" A collection of Doctor Who sound effects from the 1970s has recently been re-released on CD.

The Series 6 episode The Doctor's Wife has been nominated for a 2011 Nebula Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Written by Neil Gaiman and directed by Richard Clark, it has been put forward for the Ray Bradbury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation. The winner will be announced during the SFWA's 47th Annual Nebula Awards Weekend, which takes place from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th May in Arlington, Virgina. The Series 5 episode Vincent and the Doctor was similarly nominated last year in the 2010 awards but failed to win. [Richard Clark, via Twitter, 20 Feb 2012]

The official website for the Detective Conan films began streaming a 90-second trailer for Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker on Wednesday. The 16th Detective Conan film has the pint-sized detective being stalked by a criminal unless he can decipher the criminals' coded messages.

The website also announced that the band Ikimono-gakari will perform the theme song "Haru Uta" for the film. The film's new trailer features the song. The group has performed theme songs for television anime including Bleach, Naruto Shippūden, Ghost Slayers Ayashi, and Big Windup!.

Kobun Shizuno (Detective Conan: Quarter of Silence, Shin Kyūseishu Densetsu Hokuto no Ken: Toki-den) is directing under the supervision of the franchise's chief director Yasuichiro Yamamoto. As they have for most of the Detective Conan films so far, Kazunari Kouchi (Aoyama Gōshō Tanpen-shū) is writing the script, and Katsuo Ono (DNA Sights 999.9, Fake) is composing the music.

The story begins when the Mōri Detective Agency suddenly receives a threatening phone call. Then, a car explodes right before Kogorō Mōri's eyes. If Detective Conan, Kogorō Mōri, Ran Mōri, and the others cannot decipher the coded message that the culprit lays down as a challenge: "Aoi shōnen to aoi shimauma, ue kara no ame" (A blue boy and a blue zebra, rain from above…), they won't be able to stop the next bomb. The threats continue until Conan and the others are at a soccer match between the rivals Ganba Osaka and Tokyo Spirits, and the culprit threatens the entire stadium.

After the full appearance of the the aforementioned unofficial Super Sentai, the Hikōnin Sentai Akibaranger (Unofficial Sentai Akihabara Rangers) had been revealed the other day, here are additional information:

The Super Sentai series have a glorious tradition that has been going for 36 years. But in its shadow there's a pile of discarded material, wild delusions and ulterior motives, which have been supporting the tokusatsu series without ever having the chance to actually shine in the open.

And now that tremendous chaotic power has finally burst out.
They are the “Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger”!

The main characters are three dwellers of the depths of the enthusiast gathering computer district, who inadvertently discovered the wicked existence threatening their town. Armed with the super equipment developed by the achingly beautiful and brilliant professor, they set out to destroy evil and protect their Holy Land of Akiba....

Adding some new blood and abandoning the taboos and restrictions of the Super Sentai series, this is a forbidden series meant for adults. Good kids, stay away from this show. Got it?

According to reports, there are four main characters in the series:

Red：A boy. Very shy personality. Probably DT
Blue：A young lady with long black hair. Flat chest
Yellow：Brown hair. Huge breasts
Professor： Sexy older sister type. Loves pranks and wears glasses.
Furthermore, according to current rumors, the Akibaranger's secret base/hideout is a "Sentai Cafe," a Super Sentai version of the popular maid cafe in Japan.

The Akibarangers is made of: Nobuo Akagi / AkibaRed (Masato Wada),Mizuki Aoyagi / AkibaBlue (Kyoko Hinami), and Moegi Yumeria / AkibaYellow (Karin Ogino). Professor Hiroyo will be played by Rei Uchida, and villain Marushina be played by Honoka.

The Akibarangers primary transformation item is a doll (name still unconfirmed). Each of them also carries the MMZ-01 “Moe Moe Zukyuun,” a gun. And their main mode of transportation is the MachineItassha, a customized red car, full of anime decals.

A tremendous chaotic power has finally burst out. They are the “Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger, three dwellers of the depths of the enthusiast gathering computer district, who inadvertently discovered the wicked existence threatening their town.

Armed with the super equipment developed by the achingly beautiful and brilliant professor, they set out to destroy evil and protect theirHoly Land of Akiba....

Adding some new blood and abandoning the taboos and restrictions of the Super Sentai series, this is a forbidden series meant for adults.Good kids, stay away from this show. Got it? Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger will premier this April.

The Hyper Japan festival in London runs from Friday February 24 to Sunday February 26. The "show guide" timetable is available as a PDF here.

The festival takes place at Brompton Hall, Earls Court (directions). Tickets are available here.

The event is hosting the U.K. rounds of two international cosplay competitions: the World Cosplay Summit and the European Cosplay Gathering.

The World Cosplay Summit involves 19 countries. Two competitors from each country will be represented at the final, which is held annually in the Japanese city of Nagoya in Japan, broadcast by TV Aichi. The European Cosplay Gathering involves ten countries. One group and one individual will be chosen at Hyper Japan and sent to the final at the Japan Expo convention in Paris.

On Saturday at 4 p.m., there will be a Cosplay Contest (70 minutes). It will involve a CosParade and the preliminary rounds for both competitions for groups of cosplayers. At 6.30 p.m. there will be the World Cosplay Summit and European Cosplay Gathering Ceremony (20 minutes).

On Sunday, at 1.50 p.m. there will be a World Cosplay panel and the preliminary rounds for solo cosplayers in the European Cosplay Gathering (45 minutes). The European Cosplay Gathering Ceremony follows at 3.10 p.m. (20 minutes).

In addition, the anime singer Natsuko Aso (pictured right) will be performing on the Friday at 7 p.m. for 60 minutes, including a talk. She will also appear on Saturday at 11 a.m for 30 minutes. Aso's song credits include the opening songs for Baka and Test - Summon the Beasts and Modern Magic Made Simple, as well as the closing numbers for Tantei Opera Milky Holmes Dai-Ni-Maku. (More of her song credits are available on her encyclopedia page; her website is here.) In addition, Aso played Chisame Hasegawa in the live-action TV version of Negima (Negima! Magister Negi Magi).

Beckii Cruel (pictured left), the Isle of Man teenager who became a moe idol in Japan, will appear on Sunday at 10.30 a.m. for 20 minutes. Beckii (real name Rebecca Flint) first became famous for her youtube dance videos, before breaking into Japanese singles, DVDs and television.

The actress Eri Fuse will appear on "Film Showcase" panels on both Saturday and Sunday at 12 noon. Both panels will last for 45 minutes. Fuse is known for such live-action films as the comedy Turtles Swim Faster than Expected, but she also played Hiromi Tanaka in Cutie Honey The Live (based on Go Nagai's manga). She will be joined by Miki Satoshi, the director of Turtles Swim Faster Than Expected.

Manga Entertainment has tweeted that its upcoming Blu-ray/DVD release of Mardock Scramble: The First Compression will contain two versions of the film, a theatrical cut and a Director's Cut. The two versions are rated as "15" and "18" respectively on the BBFC website. This means the actual release, passed uncut, will be "18," despite the current image on Amazon UK (pictured) showing a "12" rating. The BBFC lists the theatrical cut as running 62 minutes, and the Director's cut as 66 minutes. Both the Blu-ray and DVD go on sale on April 16.

In Mardock Scramble: The First Compression, a teenage prostitute named Rune Balot is caught in an explosion, then turned into an advanced cyborg. Balot takes on the worst of Mardock City's criminals as she looks for vengeance. Megumi Hayashibara voices Rune Balot, in a project directed by Susumu Kudo at the studio GoHands. Both the film and its sequel, Mardock Scramble: The Second Combustion, were shown at cinemas around the U.K. last year.

Bandai's Tamashii Nations website revealed the uniforms of Toei's live-action Hikōnin Sentai Akibaranger (Unofficial Sentai Akihabara Rangers) television series. The story follows three protagonists who live in Akihabara's Electric Town among other otaku. When the trio learn that a malevolent entity plans to annihilate their neighborhood, they become warriors to wipe out evil — with the help of super gear created by a beautiful and brilliant genius.

The studio Mages and the Nippon Cultural Broadcasting company are collaborating to host the "Super GameSong Live 2012" concert at Kanagawa Prefecture's Pacifico Yokohama convention center on May 26. The team from "Animelo Summer Live," Japan's largest annual anime song concert, are planning the event.

The concert will focus on adventure games, but the event will include music from a variety of game makers, labels, and platforms. Popular songs will be synchronized with visuals from each game, and artists will perform live with selections from both recent and classic games. Performers will include Affilia Saga East, Ayane, Kanako Itou, Asami Imai, CooRie, Minami Kuribayashi, Hiromi Satou, Faylan, and Yozuca.

The "Super GameSong Live News Program Supage!" net series will also launch on Nico Nico's live streaming service on February 21. The singers Minami Kurayabashi and Chiyomaru Shikura will appear as guests in the first show. Affilia Saga East's Yukafin Doll and Maho Sotto Voce will host the program, and new episodes will premiere every other Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. (JT).

The North American anime licensing company Sentai Filmworks announced on Monday that it licensed the second season of the K-ON!! television anime series. The 26-episode anime sequel and the accompanying OVA will be available on DVD and Blu-ray Disc later this year. Sentai Filmworks is collaborating with Bang Zoom! Entertainment on the dub.

Based on kakifly's four-panel comedy manga about high school girls who form a rock band, the second television anime series premiered in April 2010. The series topped sales charts when its Blu-ray Discs shipped in Japan last year, and K-ON! became the first television animation franchise to sell over 500,000 Blu-ray Discs on Oricon's sales chart.

The North American anime distributor Bandai Entertainment licensed and released the first K-ON! television anime season in 2011 before it stopped releasing new titles this month.

The K-ON! film sequel premiered in Japan on December 3, and the film earned US$21,419,792 at the Japanese box office by February 5.

The Japan Foundation in Russell Squre, London, will host two talks on Japanese videogames, on Tuesday February 21 and Wednesday February 22. Both events will be at 6.30 p.m. The press release is here.

The talk on February 21 is called "The Past: Game Over?" about the preservation of videogame culture. It will be given by Professor Akira Baba of the University of Tokyo and Professor James Newman from Bath Spa University. The talk will discuss whether videogame culture should be archived in some way, and if so, what are the possibilities.

The talk on Febuary 22 is called "The Present and Future: Progress to Next Level?" It discusses the future prospects for the Japanese game industry. Professor Akira Baba will be joined by Takuma Endo, the president of ACQUIRE and Development Director of the game Tenchu, as well as by the freelance journalist Steve Boxer.

Admission to both talks is free, but places must be reserved by emailing your name and the title of the talk to the following email: event@jpf.org.uk

As time goes on, filming continues and Doctor Who titles begin to be leaked again we will indeed be covering these events, and to help us keep track of them, every time a bit of new information is revealed I will update this list so you know what is what and who is who. ;)

Things we know, but as of this moment don't fit in:
Chris Chibnall is writing an episode for Series 7, it is currently unknown which episode.
Mark Gatiss is writing an episode for Series 7, it is currently unknown which episode.
Amy Pond & Rory Williams will leave sometime during series 7, it currently unknown which episode.
Farren Blackburn is to direct one (or more) episode(s) of series 7.
The Doctor will meet a new friend in the most unexpected place.
River Song (played by Alex Kingston) will return during series 7.
Steven Moffat has said that the first episode will be a bit like the movie Die Hard and teased the title as [Spoiler] of the [Spoilers].
Mark Gatiss recently revealed his episode contains the words ‘meat’, ‘klaxon’ and ‘Vienna’.
All of episodes from this series will only be 1 part, it will have no 2 part episodes.
The Yeti's are returning for Series 7 (as well as another unconfirmed/undocumented classic monster).
An episode of Doctor Who is to be filmed in Spain (it is rumored to be one of the first 3 episodes).
Rob Cavazos is listed to be playing a character called Walter in the episode to be filmed in Spain.
The First day of filming was completed on 20th February 2012 - Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill and Mark Williams was on set inside the Ponds house.
Mark Williams was spotted for filming wearing a blue bodywarmer.
The Director of Photography for the first episode filmed is Stephan Pehrsson.

Things that are rumoured to be true:
The Doctor's next companion will not be from Earth.
Amy Pond will die and Rory will live.
The Ice Warriors will return in the episode that Mark Gatiss has written.
Steven Moffat and James Corden both want Craig Owens to return, but we don’t know if he is returning because Moffat stated he might not be able to fit him in.
Sophia Myles is rumoured to star in Series 7 (all evidence of her tweets point to this) as well as it is now being rumoured she is to play the new companion.

Filming has just started on Series 7 of Doctor Who in Cardiff. This series will see the last days of the Ponds with Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill returning for their final, rollercoaster voyage with The Doctor. Amy and Rory have been at the Doctor's side for more than two series but what will he do after their heartbreaking departure?

On returning for his third series as the Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith says: "It's thrilling and exciting to be back and working with two of my closest friends."

Karen Gillan adds: "It's just brilliant to be back on the TARDIS with Matt and Arthur for our craziest adventures yet."

Series 7 will then see a dramatic turn of events when The Doctor meets a new friend. Prepare yourselves for thrills, adventures and dramatic surprises as the show builds towards its enormous, climactic 50th anniversary year. Fourteen big, blockbuster-movie episodes - each a brand new epic adventure featuring new monsters and some familiar foes as you've never seen them before.

Casting Update
As well as Mark Williams (who was busy filming on Monday), additional guest stars for the series have now been announced:

Rupert Graves
Graves has had a long film and television career, including roles in The Forsyte Saga (2002-2003), V for Vendetta (2005), and even The Famous Five (1979). He appeared alongside former Doctor David Tennant in Single Father, but is perhaps most recognisable currently as Inspector Lestrade in the Steven Moffat/Mark Gatiss re-imagining of Sherlock.
David Bradley

Another actor with a long career, Bradley has appeared on television ranging from A Family At War (1971) through to recent series like Five Daughters (2010), and has also worked with David Tennant, in Blackpool (2004). However, the actor is no stranger to the Matt Smith era of Doctor Who, having played a Shansheeth voice in The Death of the Doctor. He is probably most recognisable to the wider audience, though, as the scraggly caretaker Argus Filch in the Harry Potter film franchise.

Production Crew: Related Vacancy
BBC Careers have listed a job within Visual Effects for BBC Wales which, though not specifically advertised for Doctor Who, will encompass the show amongst others:
Senior Visual Effects Designer (Talent Pool)

BBC Wales produces some of the BBCs best known, most popular and loved productions: Human Planet, Crimewatch, Doctor Who, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Torchwood, Being Human, Upstairs Downstairs, Merlin, Sherlock, Eric and Ernie, alongside a wide range of programmes for local output and S4C.

BBC Wales, Post Production and Graphic Design, is looking for visual effects designers, with experience in broadcast production, to join our highly creative and talented design team, to work on some of these high profile productions.

Requirements: You’ll have relevant experience within the Broadcast Visual Effects industry, with proven design creative ability in the field. You’ll possess strong working knowledge of customer/production bases, with a flexible/adaptable style to suit a wide range of different supervisors/customers preferred styles and strong interpersonal skills with the confidence to approach potential customers.
The role will "be responsible for delivering visual effects, to production requirements and standards, in either a support, or, lead role." Based in Cardiff, the closing date for applications is 4th March.

United Kingdom
A bit of nostalgia for Boston as 1977 saw a report on a visit to the Oldrids store by Tom Baker, who was there to autograph books about the television series and "proved a hit with the locals." [Boston Standard, 20 Feb 2012]

A Doctor Who-themed day was held at Long Close School in Slough to herald the beginning of half-term. A special poster replaced the school emblem, pupils wore costumes, time travel stories and quantum mechanics got a look-in on the curriculum, a Dalek, Weeping Angel, Cyberman, and Tardis made an appearance - and even headteacher David Brazier got in on the act by dressing up as the Ninth Doctor! [Slough and South Bucks Observer, 17 Feb 2012]

Daleks helped raise more than £1,000 for the British Heart Foundation when they appeared as part of a fund-raising day at the Ashley Centre in Epsom. [Epsom Guardian, 20 Feb 2012]

Twickenham Film Studios has gone into administration, with very little likelihood of it making movies again. Due to celebrate its centenary next year, it is, instead, being wound down between now and June. It was also host to TV productions over the years, including the BBC drama serial Our Friends In The North, which co-starred Christopher Eccleston, and Coupling, the BBC comedy created and written by Steven Moffat. On the cinematic front, An Education, which was filmed there, featured Carey Mulligan in her first leading role, while trivia buffs may like to know that the Amicus Films offering The Terrornauts featured shots of the Dalek flying saucer model from the same production company's Daleks - Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. A partial Twickenham filmography is available here. [BBC News, 20 Feb 2012]
(With thanks to Jeremy Bentham)

United States
An outdoor advertising campaign by BBC America that uses Doctor Who among its references has proved to be an internet smash. Billboards and commuter transit ads have been appearing in the New York City area to promote the network - among them posters on all three suburban commuter train lines that say "My other commute is in a TARDIS" (which has reportedly been downloaded 1,000 times) and "If you were a Time Lord, you would be home by now or 700 years ago". The channel has also logged more than 12,500 posts and likes on Tumblr, plus nearly 500 tweets of photos or comments. [Multichannel News, 10 Feb 2012] [BuzzFeed, 8 Feb 2012]

Writing for Washington University's independent newspaper in St. Louis, David Sargeant rates Doctor Who amongst the best of British shows: "Arguably the most popular British show of all time, Doctor Who is the easiest show to jump into and the sole entry on this list still in production. The Doctor is an alien with a time machine, a fondness for humans and an out-of-this-world personality. He travels through time and space with a human companion, confronting various alien menaces and setting an example of tolerance and cool logic. The franchise is approaching its 50th anniversary but has yet to show its age." [Student Life, 20 Feb 2012]

Andrea Shelton reflects on her experience at the GallifreyOne Convention that took place in Los Angeles last weekend: "This weekend I made my first trip to the 23rd installment of Gallifrey One – a Doctor Who convention held annually in LA – and it was nothing short of OUTSTANDING. The defining characteristic of this event is that it is 100% fan-run. This means every staff member and volunteer is participating out of sheer love and enjoyment of the series, and it shows in every detail of the programming. The charm of this convention goes beyond the quality of programming. Just as important to the overall experience is the character of the fans. I am pleased to say I have never been surrounded by so many friendly, enthusiastic, and kind people that I immediately felt a connection with. This convention has everything a Doctor Who fan could ask for, and I am already counting down the days until next year. It is a trip worth saving for, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for next year’s 50th Anniversary special." [What Culture, 21 Feb 2012]

Lastly, a selection of photos taken at the convention. [LA Weekly, 20 Feb 2012]

AudioGo have released details on audio titles in their spoken word range due to be released next month, with the Eleventh Doctor, Amy and Rory continuing their adventures in Darkstar Academy and Gwen and Rhys embroiled in post-Miracle Day shenanigans in Army of One. Plus, the new novelisation of Shada, reported last week.

Darkstar Academy
Written by Mark Morris
Read by Alexander Armstrong
Released 8th March 2012 (CD) (pre-order)

When the TARDIS is buffeted by ‘time slippage’, the Doctor experiences a terrible vision of the end of everything. Tracking the source of the disruption, he takes Rory and Amy to what appears to be an English public school in the 1950s.

But as the friends are about to discover, there are some very unusual things about Darkstar Academy. For a start the prefects carry guns, and then there is the strange forcefield that surrounds the perimeter. Not to mention the foot-long, crab-like creatures with spiny, armoured bodies...

When the Doctor learns the truth about the Academy, he also discovers that the whole place is in terrible danger. But with a swarm of creatures on the loose, what can he, Amy and Rory do to help prevent a terrible disaster?
Army of One
Written by Ian Edginton
Read by Kai Owen
Released 8th March 2012 (CD) (pre-order)

Washington D.C., post-Miracle. The city has been hit by a spate of very unusual serial killings.
The victims are different ages and genders and the locations vary, but each body has one thing in common – it has been reduced to a dried-up, desiccated husk.

Special Agent Lucas Avery has dealt with some tricky puzzles in his time, but this is stranger than anything he has ever encountered. His one lead is a pair of names: ‘Gwen’ and ‘Rhys’...

For Gwen Cooper and Rhys Williams, still recovering from the recent, traumatic events that shook the world, life is about to get difficult and dangerous again. For it’s not just Homeland Security on their trail, but something else – something alien, terrifying and deadly...

his morning saw filming begin in earnest for the next series of Doctor Who!

A brief summary of activities appear below, which though we do not consider as spoilers (there are no plot points for the episode being filmed), some readers may prefer not to continue reading!

Cast
The first guest star for the series has been revealed as the comic/actor Mark Williams. Having come to fame as one of the faces of The Fast Show, Williams has appeared in a variety of television and films, most recently on Sunday evenings as vampire lore-master Regus in Toby Whithouse's supernatural show Being Human. Arguably, though, the actor is now recognisable worldwide though his role as Arthur Weasley in the Harry Potter film franchise.

On Location
Recording took place inside a private house in Church Road, Penarth, which had been dressed to represent the Amy/Rory household. Arthur Darvill and Karen Gillan were on set, as was Mark Williams.

Resident Grace Jenkins kept Twitter followers appraised of activities inside, including set-dressing the week before:
Fri 12:20pm Living room has been cruelly disfigured so they can film Doctor Who in it.
Fri 4:26pm Rory and Amy Pond's wedding photos are now on my living room wall and will be all weekend as they're filming Monday.

8:18am I just met Mr Weasley!
8:51am What a lovely group of people.
9:18am Karen Gillan keeps playing my piano.
10:18am Blows my mind how many people it takes to make a tv show. I've counted at least 50.
1:58pm SO glad I can finally just get a bloody cup of tea without tripping over camera leads.

Monday, 20 February 2012

In the final episode of Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger, before they leave for Zangyack's home planet, Gai Ikari had made promise that he'll be back for the New Year celebration. Would this mean we'll get to see them again early next year?

As most of us know, Super Sentai VS movies had become a tradition to premier in theaters by January, since Samurai Sentai Shinkenger vs Go-Onger. Although pretty much expected, would this confirm the upcoming Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters vs Gokaiger?

Another thing, Gai had added that he'll "probably return during Summer and Winter vacations." Would we expect to see the Gokaigers return, in a form of a movie or v-cinema during these times? We'll see...

We all know that they'll be back after at least two months for the “Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Super Hero Taisen” this April 21st, as Captain Marvelous leads the DaiZangyack fleet to acquire the Kamen Rider's Great Power!

The Japanese rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN announced on Friday that it donated 69,627,833 yen (about US$877,255) to support the Japanese Red Cross Society's relief efforts for the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake (Higashi Nihon Daishinsai) disaster. BUMP OF CHICKEN contributed all proceeds earned through February 10 from the sale of the band's 20th single "Smile," which shipped in Japan last May.

BUMP OF CHICKEN created the song for a commercial to promote the "Smile" series of drawings from manga creator Takehiko Inoue (Vagabond, Slam Dunk). Inoue began drawing the series using the Zen Brush app to offer his prayers for Japan on the same day that the earthquake struck. He has since drawn over 160 pieces. The North American manga publisher Viz Media released the series on its Viz Manga iOS app and is also donating all proceeds from the first two volumes to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

There will be an anime convention in Cambridge on May 12, "Camcon," at the Junction centre (map). The event's website is at http://thecamcon.com/, and says the events will include a Cosplay Masquerade, J-Culture Talks, Karaoke and Gaming Tournaments, with more updates to follow. The event also has a facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/groups/camcon/

The event is mentioned in a press release by Anime League, which also confirms that the next London Anime Con will be from June 30 to July 1 (once again at the Rocket Complex), followed by Alcon 12 at De Montfort University from September 6 to 9.

Episode starts with the Rangers training, we see Kevin and Mia with their Hydro Bow and Sky Fan. Mike did some sort of skating stunt. The Rangers call Jayden as they find a puddle of Sanzu River where the monsters can re-hydrate. The spider guy is still out there and initially Xandred is not so thrilled but Octoroo make him realize that Archanatoid can make the river grow. Mentor gets Antonio to finish working on the Black Box (new prop, the Shinkenger prop, not the small one from last season).

Bulk and Spike get a camera to document the Rangers. Mike tracks the monster through the forest and they end up fighting him in a suburb. They end up with the monster in rubble in the city and Antonio morphs and gives Jayden the Black Box, becoming the Super Red Ranger. He defeats the Spider monster and then Moogers become big. Red becomes Super Mega and the Rangers make the Megazord. Antonio makes the Clawzord.

They make the Super Samurai Combination combining the Samurai Megazord with the Clawzord to make the Claw Armor Megazord. We see the six Rangers with Super Mega in the cockpit. They defeat the Moogers and they create a cannon using the four Auxiliary zords destroying the moogers. Bulk and Spike come out of the rubble, Bulk thinks it is not a good idea to do so. Emily uses her rock power to close up a leak. Emily doesn't like that they can mutate. They all are happy with Antonio. Jayden gives a short speech and says they got to be 'super samurai' and put their hands together, kanji flies from their hands. The promo after the show is the same promo from before, not episode-specific.

Review:
Same old, same old: flat acting, bad writing, cheesy lines that aren't even a wink to the audience and poor excuses for lack of imagination on new sets. A suburb? Really? The idea of Bulk and Spike documenting the Rangers give a new edge but still not successfully melding the two worlds together. But they did film like it like a season opener, reintroducing the characters

Anniversary series that have a lot of cameos from past actors seem to be regarded by as fans as the best series ever, even if the quality is bad. Now I could say that Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger is the best Super Sentai series, but I wouldn't feel right about it. Jetman, Dairanger, Shinkenger and Timeranger all have good points and special places in my heart. But those are my favorites. Plenty of people like other series and find that one as the best. So this will not be a debate over the best series in Sentai. Gokaiger definitely is on the top five. Other anniversary series like Gaoranger fell flat, with little character development and a plot that didn't have a satisfying ending. Boukenger was an anniversary series and a great one at that. Unlike Boukenger that had its own self-contain story with the monsters looking like past Giant Robos and segments afterwards about the past, Gokaiger incorporated a lot of past series as cnon and also had lots of elements from the Vs. Cinema (Versus specials).

Top Ten Reasons Gokaiger is Excellent
The reason I say it is the best Toku is that it not only pays homage to past Sentai, but tells its own independent story, has excellent character development and almost every episodes keeps thing fresh and provide twists to Sentai conventions (like what colors women can don).

1. Cameos or Guest Stars
Not even the idea of gathering one of each 34 past teams sounds easy. Many fans supposed a tribute could be played for each 34 series within the 51 episodes, but it didn't end up that way. We ended up getting more than one member of a team, we did finally see at least one member of each team at the end. At first it seemed being Red Rangers but soon by Episode 20, we started getting other colors. It was extremely hard to get some actors. By evidence of Goushi's appearance in Episode 50, it was probably hard to lock down on a Zyuranger actor. But we will go back to the tributes. Also in Episode 40, we finally got closure to an old storyline concerning Domon/Time Yellow and the son he left in 2000, the Gokaiger befriend the boy.

2. Tributes
When the Gokaiger transformed into a past team in one episode which was the same as the guest star, they would play an instrumental or whole song of the series and do a similar transformation or attack sequence. In the Timeranger tribute, when they transformed into Timerangers, each of them took the pose that the original Timerangers did when they transformed. Fans loved hearing the old songs during the episode. But we didn't get 'tributes' like that for a lot of old sentai (like the ones from Gokaiger vs. Goseiger 199 heroes movie). Soem fans are upset we didn't here the Zyuranger theme in Episode 50 where Goushi/Mammoth Ranger cameoed.

3. Gender Changes
Half of all the Yellow Rangers are male and in Power Rangers, many non-fans believe Yellow is a female color, but three boys have been yellow and five of the females were originally male. I have mentioned this over and over and over again on this blog. But I mentioned again in case a visitor is just reading this post and doesn't read the rest. So anyway, in Gokaiger girls get to be Black, Red, Green, and other colors they never got to be again. They get skirts. And also males became girl suits and the skirt was gone (Blue Dolphin, Blue Swallow, Hurricane Blue, Magi Blue, Pteraranger, Pink Flash, etc.). So that was pretty cool. Gokai Pink also became various other colors. There were pre-deposed suits we knew were getting skirts and I was thrilled to find out new ones like the girl greens, Ninja Black, MegaSilver, GingaRed, etc. I am disappointed we haven't seen male Go-On Silver.

4. One Color Changes
They did all red four times on the show, pink and white in Gokaiger vs. Gavan, blue, yellow, and green once. They did a 3-person White and a 3-person Black once too. They also did special changes like an all lion-one and teams of random teams like in Episode 51 and 10. The Toei team really thought it through which changes would be done and which ones hadn't gotten focus. Until mid-point in the series, Changeman hadn't been used a lot. Newer series did get used more than older ones. Also was calculated was the use of new changes to suits like the gender changed ones and how much mileage they could get out of them. We've even gotten special changes like the Combo Go-On Wing suit and Gokai Christmas.

5. Monsters from Teamups
What was cool that many villains from teamup specials like the one above from Gekiranger vs. Boukenger and the villain from Shinkenger vs. Gokaiger came back. Also various other villains from past series came back like Ryuwon from Boukenger and children of Saandaru and Satorkura from Hurricanger. But what this did was tie in Gokaiger to past teamups, making fans believe this was part of the V-Cinema universe. Where some seasons seem to be in their own self-contain world, Gokaiger tied them all up as in canon and did so with the teamups.

6. Ranger Keys
I am obsessed with these things! I want to collect them all! Even calling back to AbarePink with a Pink-centric Episode combined with an Abaranger tribute was pure GENIUS. Also the special effects, fighting sequences and all that were awesome. Especially tying in and re-incorporating old attack sequences and moves.

7. Basco
Basco is such a baddie. Basco is thrilling because he is a character you'd love to hate. He always have that snobby smirk. American and other English-speaking fans (because I don't know about Japanese fans) did not like Walz Gils and his Zangyack forces, they felt they had no character development. But my defense to that complaint is that since the past Sentai needed focus, the villains kind of fell by the wayside. Also Basco was after the Grand Powers and the Zangyack were not, so that factor and that Basco had a past to Marvelous---the leader, unlike Joe's tie to Barizorg---made Basco a good watch. So the only weakness is not Basco but Walz Gils and his crew.

8. Tying to Aka Red and Ninjaman
Many fans were upset to find out Ninjaman was not in the Legacy War and we finally got the answer in Episode 45 when we find out Ninjaman was stuck in a jar and was destroyed when a temple was destroyed before the war even happened. The Timeranger sent Gokaiger to save the temple and they later found out it was the jar and Ninjaman and then later that he was the power of Kakuranger. Aka Red I love because he was an enigma in Boukenger Vs Super Sentai. I like that they related him to a pirate with his high collar which is a homage to Goranger.

9. Characterization and for the girls too!
There was not only characterization for the boys, but also for the girls. Most of the time in Sentai, regardless of two girls or one girls, they usually get the same amount of episodes. So with two, they get less than a lone girl. There is always a girl power episode, most of the time it is just one per season. Luke and Ahim got one but what was cool was that they got further development and flashback explanations late in the game. We found out more about Ahim and how her planet fell and how she became a pirate. We found out Luka had a little sister who died and how she met Joe and Marvelous, and even found out she wanted the Greatest Treasure in the Universe to.. um... buy the universe. Oh well, not all revelations are gems.

10. The Gokaiger
All six are great characters and I like how with even all the tributes and Gokai Changes, the writers managed to write fun and entertaining characters and give them development. The pirates as a whole didn't initially care about the Earth or being heroes, they just wanted treasure. Eventually, also with the help of Gai, they became true heroes.

We also know they will soon be filming in Spain, similar to like when Doctor Who was filmed in America there was only a few filming photos but if your near by the filming in Spain - Why not pick up a camera and take a few snaps for the online community.

Speaking at the GallifreyOne convention in Los Angeles, Patrick Troughton's son Michael said that he had recently recorded a commentary on the life of his father to be included as a feature for The Ice Warriors. There are no details as yet over whether the incomplete story will be an individual DVD release or form part of a boxed set.

On the subject of incomplete stories, Nicholas Pegg reported on Twitter that he was "into the final furlong of the Shada DVD production subtitles, and still unearthing previously unknown trivia bombshells!«" Earlier he said: "Researching the full facts and events of the Shada cancellation for the DVD info text. It's awfully sad. They so nearly made it!«"

Ed Stradling has made the following appeal: "if any Doctor Who fans out there know the whereabouts of any of the original models from Terror of the Zygons, could you let me know? Thanks«"

Talking about the forthcoming The Face of Evil (out 5th March), Chris Chapman said on Twitter: 'Into the Wild' features an exclusive chat with the child voice of Xoanon, then-schoolboy Anthony Frieze! Yes, I can tell you are excited!« It also features Louise Jameson, Philip Hinchcliffe, Austin Ruddy, Mat Irvine and an archive interview with Pennant Roberts.« But the big star of the doco is Mat Irvine's AMAZING Tom Baker mountain face!«"

Chapman also discussed the documentary The Show Must Go On, to be included on the DVD of The Greatest Show in the Galaxy: "The guest line-up (Aldred, Wareing, Reddington, Laskey, Tucker, Cartmel and JNT archive) now has an added cameo from the Bus Conductor Robot!« Worth saying that the doco and commentary feature an almost completely different line-up of guests - virtually no crossover!« Doco is clocking in just over 30mins, which I think is our longest yet.« It includes the words 'doormat', 'rat-bucket' and 'I was a bit too male for that'« ... Fiddling on with our doco - one last scan through the 'studio' footage... looking for things that went wrong!« ... Just added a bit of swearing - will have to bleep that one out!«" Today, he added: "We're just finishing our Greatest Show doco - which is a great chance to say how flippin' brilliant Who was at that time!«".

The latest edition of Nothing at the End of the Lane reports that some 90 seconds of behind-the-scenes footage had been captured on 8mm film during the recording of Robot on location at Wood Norton Hall by an extra in the story, Roger Squires; the material may appear on a future DVD release.

DVD range producer Dan Hall updated Doctor Who Magazine on the status of the recently rediscovered episodes of Galaxy 4 and The Underwater Menace: "There's one release that hasn't been announced yet which will provide a home for one of them. And there's a potential release that will provide a home for the other one as well. People aren't going to see them out on DVD in 2012, though. But they are on our schedule."

Hall also indicated that other special editions might be on the way: "I'm hoping that Vengeance on Varos will be the first of our single Revisitations imprint. So we'll see how Varos does and I've certainly got my sights on some future titles. (on choosing the titles) It's a mixture of things. I'll sit down with the Restoration Team and say 'What do you think could look a lot better now than it did on its first release?' Another consideration is looking at the extras that are on the existing DVD, and seeing if there's really basic stuff missing. I'm very proud of the idea that the DVDs form a kind of encyclopaedia."